Living with black tax

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of black tax, with a specific focus on the livelihood strategies used by black-employed single mothers to sustain their livelihoods amid the responsibility of black tax. Black tax is defined as financial (and other forms of) support offered to family, extended family and community members (Mhlongo, 2019; Sifiso, 2019). Firstly, this thesis perceives black tax as a self-imposed obligation that stems from a history of injustices which have engineered poverty amongst black individuals (Socikwa,2022). Mlangeni (2019: 43) states that notion of ‘black tax’ stems from the context of the colonial era and apartheid which created and perpetuated the poverty struggle in black families, making it necessary for individuals to dedicate a portion of their salaries to their families. The main discussion around black tax in literature revolves around its pervasive nature as both a socio-economic phenomenon and a cultural practice deeply embedded within black communities, particularly in South Africa (Diko, 2022; Mangoma & Wilson-Prangley, 2021). Msibi, 2020; Msibi, 2020). In the existing literature, black tax has been discussed with a focus on its experiences, while limiting the discussion of how individuals sustain their livelihoods amid the responsibility of black tax. This study extends the focus to livelihoods instead of merely discussing the experiences of black tax. Existing literature has limited the discussion on the notion that although family support through black tax can result in a sense of pride for individuals, this monthly expense deters providers from their personal livelihood aspirations. The responsibility of black tax compromises livelihoods of university-educated black single mothers as it induces a myriad of stressors (Diko, 2022; Mangoma & Wilson-Prangley, 2021). Instead of viewing the livelihood strategies of single motherhood and black tax separately, this thesis aims to bridge the gap on these two factors and provide an analysis of the livelihood strategies used amid navigating both single motherhood and black tax. Socikwa (2021: 16) asserts that “black women continue to self-immolate and overextend themselves in the eradication of inter-generational black poverty that is exacerbated by apartheid.” This thesis highlights the entrapment of university-educated single mothers in a poverty cycle due to apartheid, which makes it essential for them to use a couple of mechanisms to sustain their livelihoods. Through African Feminism and the Sustainable Livelihoods approach, this thesis provides evidence of the structural hindrances, constraints and livelihood strategies of women from the Eastern Cape by analysing black tax as a phenomenon that induces their “economic precarity” regardless of being graduates and having employment.